Rwanda condemned Canada for imposing sanctions due to its involvement in the DRC conflict, labeling Ottawa’s actions as shameful. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly criticized Rwanda’s military presence in DRC, leading to Canada suspending export permits to Rwanda. Rwanda’s foreign ministry responded harshly, asserting that sanctions would not resolve the conflict, amid other nations also sanctioning Rwandan officials.
Rwanda has formally condemned Canada for imposing sanctions related to its involvement in the ongoing conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government labeled Ottawa’s actions as shameful, particularly in light of claims that the M23 rebel group, which has recently gained significant ground in eastern DRC, is being supported by Rwandan troops, according to United Nations experts.
In a statement released Monday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly criticized Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC, declaring that it represented a breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and violated the United Nations Charter. Subsequently, Canada announced a suspension of export permits for controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda and signaled a reassessment of its participation in upcoming international events in Kigali.
In response, Rwanda’s foreign ministry issued a staunch critique of Canada’s position, branding it as “shameful” and contending that such sanctions will not lead to a resolution of the conflict. The statement emphasized, “Canada cannot claim to support regional peace efforts while simultaneously blaming Rwanda for all violations.”
The sanctions enacted by Canada follow the earlier decision of the British government to suspend most bilateral aid to Rwanda, made in February due to the M23 offensive. Rwanda has consistently characterized these international measures as punitive in nature. Moreover, earlier this month, the United States imposed sanctions on Rwandan Minister for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, accusing him of crucial involvement in supporting the M23 group.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s condemnation of Canadian sanctions highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Canada’s response underscores its concerns over sovereignty violations, while Rwanda defends itself against accusations of wrongdoing. These developments draw attention to the complexities of international relations and the challenges of achieving peace in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
